COLLEGE BASEBALL : Valley Can’t Stop Moorpark’s Quick Start

Jon Egertson of Moorpark College tripled on the first pitch Tuesday and scored when the next batter, first baseman Brian Peters, homered as the Raiders defeated Valley, 10-9.

Peters’ home run ignited a four-run first inning. Moorpark added three more in the second for a 7-0 lead.

Sophomore catcher Greg Conahey hit a solo home run in the seventh to give the Raiders a 10-6 lead, but the Monarchs came back to score three runs in the eighth, closing the margin to 10-9.

Relief pitcher Bob Ayrault came in and stopped Valley’s threat to save the game for starter Steve Reed. The game, the season-opener for Moorpark, was called because of darkness at the end of the eighth.

Egertson, Peters and Conahey were among five Raiders to collect two hits. Dennis Mihelic and Sean Lang also had two to help pace Moorpark’s 12-hit attack.

Danny Silvera had four hits for Valley, and teammates Sal Villasenor and Mark Glennie each had three.

The game was originally scheduled to be played at Moorpark. The site was switched to Valley on Tuesday because Moorpark’s field was too wet.

The Master’s 9, Cal Tech 8--Catcher Matt McArthur picked off Cal Tech’s Steve Mymudes, the potential tying run, at third base in the seventh inning to preserve the nonconference win for the Mustangs. The game was called after the seventh because of darkness.

The victory snapped a six-game losing streak and improved The Master’s record to 2-6. Cal Tech fell to 1-4.

Freshman Mike Wilson pitched the first six innings to pick up his first win, while Kevin Taylor recorded his first save.

McArthur also enjoyed a good game at the plate. He was one of four Mustangs to have two hits. Shane Carriger, Terry Sloan and Taylor also had two.

Wilson drove in what proved to be the winning run when shortstop Kurt Theilen scored on a ground out in the top of the seventh.

The Cal State Northridge game at Westmont was postponed Tuesday because of rain.

Northridge, which has had four games rained out in as many days, is scheduled to play The Master’s in a non-conference game today at 2:30 p.m.

The game with Westmont has been rescheduled for March 20 in Montecito.

CSUN is 3-2.